Thoughts of a Grasshopper

You aren't going to believe, it, but my Christmas card I made for this swap won a prize.  Thanks to Hunter who liked it, I ended up getting a package of Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags.  I realize I should use them for cards or packages, but I'm thinking I want to use them as little notes throughout the month thanking people for what they've done/do.  Over the past year, I notice I have gotten better about recognizing things but I don't always take that time to acknowledge.  I'll carry these with me and I'll always have something to write on and I can pass it to them as I go about my day but still be able to say "Well done!", "Congratulations", "Thanks", etc.  Bells & Boughs by Barb Baynard  Winter Memories by Barb Furlong  Ornament Keepsakes by Chris Occhipinti  No Peeking by Heidi Sorg  Evergreen by Kim Overholt  Deck the Halls by Leanna Kerr  Snow Much Fun by Mary Nunaley ...

I hosted a Fall swap on VC Rocks this month.  The ladies did an outstanding job as usual.   Stamps: Tricky Treats by Alice Leal.  Stamps:  Serene Silhouettes, Day of Gratitude by Barb Furlong  Stamps:  Googly Ghouls by Chris Occhipinti  Stamps:  Bootiful Occasions by Cynthia Ferenz  Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Apothecary Art by Debbie Gordon  Stamps:  French Foliage, Loving Thoughts by Debbie Peterson  Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved by Elizabeth Kratzer  Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Tricky Treats by Heidi Sorg  Stamps:  Day of Gratitude by Mary Grauel  by Ria Blackwell Stamps:  Halloween Bingo Bits by Shari Ferruzzi

So crazy to think they've been dating for 10 mos.  

I participated in a Christmas card swap.  How can I pass up Christmas cards?  This is similar to what I submitted for the swap.  I added the Espresso scallop strip next to the ribbon.  I had each version and the family voted on which was best and it was divided.  I went with less because the Espresso didn't make it or break it, it was just there. I also have to say that the acetate flocked paper that was part of the DP was really, really hard to cut through.  The die I used didn't cut through it.  My paper trimmer got a cut but it wasn't clear through.  In both instances, I had to use scissors.  I have heard some say that sandwiched between regular paper it cuts well.  I wasn't aware of that tip at the time so I don't know if it works or not. Stamps:  Ornament Keepsakes (inside the card) CS:  VV, Early Espresso, Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Candlelight Christmas DP Ink:  Real Red, Early Espresso (ornament stampe...

Lemon Chex Buddies is on the left and Puppy Chow is on the right.  One of the twins requested Puppy Chow, which made me think of the Lemon Chex Buddies I saw on Pinterest.  Can you believe it, I actually made something I pinned.  I think my percentage must be .073% on that end and it is the recipes that give me any percentage at all. I liked the Lemon Chex Buddies but I must admit Puppy Chow wins hands down in this house.  The Lemon Chex Buddies are light and have good flavor.  They actually reminded me of a Girl Scout cookie they used to make.  If you want to give it a try, you can find the recipe here . Puppy Chow   1 box (12 oz.) Crispix 1C peanut butter 1 pkg. (12 oz.) chocolate chips 1 stick butter 2-3C powdered sugar Melt the peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.  Gently stir in cereal until well coated.  Place powdered sugar in a large plastic bag.  Pour cereal mix...

For 20 years Family Circle has had a "Presidential Bake-Off" on an election year with a First Lady cookie contest.  They say that 4 out of 5 times, the cookie that won ended up in the White House.  The exception being the last contest where Cindy McCain's cookie won but obviously John McCain didn't win the election.  Here we are in 2012 and the bake-off is between Michelle Obama and Ann Romney. I thought it would be fun to see which cookies friends and family preferred.  I won't spoil it for you in case you choose to try yourself.  If you want to know which cookie belongs to whom, ask me or check out the August 2012 issue of Family Circle. White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie 2-1/4C flour 1t baking soda 1t salt 1C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 stick Crisco butter-flavored solid vegetable shortening 3/4C sugar 3/4C brown sugar 1t vanilla 1C each white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips (or Andes ...